heavymetals | ( psl ) hot for teacher

( psl ) hot for teacher

[ Of all the things Erik had imagined for a new, reinvented future, this definitely wasn't one of them. His life so far has been made of so many missteps, so many mistakes, his public image fluctuating wildly but for the most part, not being particularly good. He was even labeled a terrorist at one point, before his efforts for the mutant cause actually landed him in a better light eventually. A path of struggle that proved to be far more difficult than his attempts to wage war on the world, in the name of his kind but truly, just another expression of his anger.

It has always been a work in progress. Slow, with setbacks, and contrary opinions even now. At least among mutants, he's largely seen as a figure of good, a role model for a better future for their kind, of cooperation with mankind while refusing to compromise. Still ready to fight if it ever comes down to that.

But the last few years have become ones of peace, and Erik has carved himself a spot here, in the mansion, admittedly with much of Charles's help. The telepath helped him settle in, coaxed him to take a position as a teacher, encouraged him even when he didn't feel like he quite fit that role, and he was surprised to learn that he became rather popular among the students. It was already more than what he could ask for, and he couldn't imagine it becoming any better than that— only for Charles to approach him about taking over the school on his behalf, as Charles decides to step back and venture to other projects. Dedicate himself more to the X-Men and leaving the meaningful job of offering a home to young mutants, and guide them through this new world.

It's an overwhelming thing, and he feels out of his depth even after months of accepting the offer. Charles offers some insight on occasion, but he's not always around, and Erik often relies on senior teachers for their suggestions and opinions. But those aren't the only teachers working at the school— some younger faces have joined the board, a few even former students themselves, one of which Erik even remembers sitting on his classes not so long ago... ]

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[ No, he's not dreaming, and no, Erik's not going anywhere. He wouldn't do that again, couldn't when the first time was already so painful. He means it too, when he now says that they should talk. It's what he should have done all along.

Both his eyebrows raise at Bobby's words, and his own answer comes swiftly, along with a shake of his head. ]

Absolutely not. You have a place in this school, and a connection with your students I'm not having you give up.

[ His fingers curl into Bobby's palms more firmly, a more thoughtful expression as he considers their options. ]

I'll talk to Charles— if that's alright by you. This is his school, and besides, he'll have an outsider's perspective. But even if we must make changes, it makes more sense that I go back to being a teacher than you resign your position. I won't accept that.

[ Erik's words stun him for a bit, as he too, mulls over their options. He swallows the sudden lump in his throat as soon as he begins to worry about the implications of Erik's words. ]

You'll go back to being a teacher? But, Erik, you like being a headmaster...

[ His gaze falls, brows knitting together, as palpable concern washes over his features. ]

I'm fine with you talking to the Professor about all this. Something tells me he already knows, anyway. But for you to give up something you're passionate about for us... [ Then Bobby looks up, squeezing Erik's hand in his. His blue eyes are worried, questioning, and still appears to be made of glass. ]

Maybe there's another way.

I liked being a teacher, too. It would be no great sacrifice.

[ Certainly not as great as Bobby's would be if he were to resign. That's simply not acceptable, as far as Erik's concerned.

Besides, looking at Bobby now, holding his hands firmly in his own, getting to even hear the other mutant's voice after weeks of complete silence and far too much distance, Erik is sure that it wouldn't be a sacrifice at all. ]

I'm passionate about us, too, [ He points out, fingers squeezing a little tighter. ] We'll try to see if there's another solution. But I will at least be honest with Charles. This is his school, and I'll not put that in jeopardy without speaking to him.

[ And no doubt his oldest friend will have some better suggestions about such a sensitive situation. If there's no other way, though, Erik will relinquish his post as Headmaster with no hesitation- ]

[ A small tug graces Bobby's lips upon hearing Erik's also passionate about them, about what they currently have right now, and the potential of it in the future. He knows Erik loves teaching, if his sessions with him are anything to go by, but Bobby is also aware of how much Erik has come to really be comfortable in the Headmaster position. No better person other than the Professor for the job, really.

But he also can't dismiss Erik's decision, doesn't want him to think he doesn't have agency on his own choices even if Bobby doesn't agree with them completely. If Erik tells him it's of no great sacrifice, then he'll believe him. But if the other mutant begins to yearn for the position again, he'll be the one to talk to the Professor himself if he has to. ]

Alright. I understand. [ Nodding, Bobby gives him a broader smile this time, squeezing his hand once more. ]

Thanks, Erik. For believing in us. [ For thinking what they have is worth this kind of sacrifice. ]

Edited 2024-09-21 00:18 (UTC)

[ He likes his current position, likes that he can actually make a difference among these younger mutants, offer them a place of safety, somewhere where they can feel like they're normal. The world is better but things are far from perfect for mutants, and feelings towards them still continue to shift. Here, no mutant will ever feel like they don't belong, and Erik does like to be someone who stands for that.

But he still could do that as a teacher. He still could enact change, even in a different position. It's not the same as throwing his career away entirely, not to mention that if Bobby did that, he'd likely have to move out of the school, and be somewhere away from him. Erik definitely doesn't want that. ]

I should be the one thanking you. That you haven't turned your back on me when you were perfectly entitled to do so, after the way I've treated you.

[ The fact that Bobby's even willing to talk to him is already surprising, but to give a potential relationship an actual chance is closer to a miracle. ]

[ Bobby didn't even think that far ahead, that potentially quitting might actually have him move out of the Institute. That certainly didn't come to mind, which is further proof that he's just going with whatever he's feeling right now.

Having Erik get demoted back into a teacher does have its perks and advantages but Bobby also thinks if there's another way to this, another solution wherein they can keep their current roles, that'd be good. Maybe he can talk extensively to the Professor, set boundaries and the like, so they can keep their professionalism in place. Whatever it may be, Bobby's going to exhaust all avenues if he can. The good work Erik has put out as headmaster will not be put to waste.

Then again, at the end of the day, it's still Erik's decision and whatever happens, he'll 100% support him. His words, though, turns Bobby's gaze even softer. ]

I remember you telling me that night I've always had you. Kinda stuck with me now, Erik. [ There's a small playfulness in his tone as he approaches closer. ]

[ Erik has always been the type to think farther ahead, at least when he's being more rational and not just following his emotions. Granted, Bobby makes it hard for him to want to be rational, but it's important that he is, he thinks, for the sake of both their jobs, and the school itself.

His lips curl faintly when Bobby steps closer to him, one hand still holding Bobby's, while the other slowly inches up his arm. ]

I meant every word I said that night. I hope you know that.

I really do now.

[ Because for the past few weeks, he almost doubted those words. Doubted if there's even a place for him with Erik after he left him that morning. But now? Now everything's as clear as day. As if the rainstorm has ceased and the clouds parted to make way for sunshine. His heart skips a beat realizing it feels as if they're starting anew, as if they're entering new territories when it comes to their relationship. That night opened a treasure trove, now they're free to explore its contents.

With Bobby now this close, his gaze locks with Erik's, not wanting to let another second pass without this man in his line of sight. His smile broadens, the playfulness now giving way to tenderness. ]

Every word is right here. [ He raises their laced hands to his chest where his heart is. ] Never left. Never ceased to matter.

[ Erik's own gaze falls to their linked hands, the way Bobby guides them to rest over his heart. He could swear he hears his own beating to the same pace, even though he's well aware that's likely just his mind imagining it. Still, the thought brings a small smile to his lips. ]

I can only hope it stays that way.

[ For now, or forever— Erik's not going to leap too far ahead. Or he'll try, anyway. There's so much to cherish in the now, so much to enjoy, he really doesn't want to be thinking about the future. Or worry about what it may bring for them both, either.

So rather than go back to a topic that neither of them can do anything about right now, he leans down instead, capturing Bobby's lips in a kiss while cupping the back of his neck with his free hand. ]

[ Whatever the words Bobby's about to reply to that die in his throat the moment Erik leans in to capture his lips in a kiss. All the worries and hurt he felt for the past few weeks wash away the moment their lips meet each other. It almost feels like coming home, returning to how things should be.

Bobby also doesn't dwell on what the future might bring knowing they have so much in the here and now. There's so much to cherish, and currently, that's the way Erik's lips fit so perfectly against his, the way Bobby deepens it as if he's drinking from a fountain in the middle of a desert.

He relishes it, lets it soak him, lets Erik's affection pour into him like water. He squeezes Erik's hand while the other reaches to cup the other mutant's face, thumb caressing tender skin affectionately. For now, he forgets he's a teacher and he's a headmaster. For now, they're just Bobby and Erik.

For now, they're just two souls yearning for each other. ]

[ The moment their lips meet, everything else ceases to matter. Erik no longer cares about the issues of their positions in the school, their duties or roles, and what may or may not be right. It will be an issue for them to deal with, but later. Not now, not when he's aching for the touch of their lips, the taste of Bobby's mouth on his, all the memories of their first night resurfacing so easily and bringing forth a deep, warm sound from Erik.

Both his hands move swiftly, arms winding around Bobby's waist, pulling him in and holding him tightly, his head tilting to immediately deepen the kiss. His tongue tastes Bobby's lips and mouth, the kiss immediately heated and hungry, as if he's been starved for it and he's finally sating the need that's been consumming him for weeks now. ]

[ The kiss deepening and satiating the hunger they've both been feeling for the past weeks has been a very welcome surprise for Bobby, letting out a pleased hum that bleeds into their locked lips. It feels like forever ago when he last tasted Erik. Days turned to weeks of not being able to touch each other has really made Bobby thirst for the other mutant and it shows with the way his lips slot perfectly with Erik in this incendiary kiss.

It doesn't even register to him how long they were kissing, so when Bobby breaks it for breath, it feels like an eternity. ]

You don't know how much I've missed that.

[ Erik probably has an idea, but it just has been too long without the other mutant that Bobby briefly wondered during those past few weeks if he'll even be able to kiss Erik again. Or have himself in the other's arms like this. ]

Let's not go another day without this, please? [ He says, and even if it's in jest, there's a lot of truth in it. ]

[ Erik sucks in a breath of his own when the kiss breaks. His head is light, lips still tingling, the taste of Bobby's mouth still on his tongue. Closing his eyes, he presses his forehead to Bobby's, his arms still wrapped tight around the other man, unwilling to let him go. ]

I think I have some idea.

[ It was weeks of not knowing if they would kiss or even touch again, yes, but more so than that, for Erik, it was weeks of not knowing if Bobby would even speak to him again, look at him, smile the way he used to. It was more than just losing the physical intimacy, when he ached for everything else just as much. ]

We won't. I promise you.

[ While their foreheads are touching like this, Bobby also takes in a deep breath and lets it go, almost as if letting go of all those weeks they were essentially strangers to each other. His eyes are closed, as well, just basking in this moment so he can commit it to memory.

It was more than the physical intimacy, that's true, because he also didn't know if he'd be able to see that easy smile again. No matter what, he likes seeing Erik smile, even if they're always subtle. ]

Alright, I'll hold you to that.

[ There's a slight joking tone in his response but it's all truth for Bobby. ] Felt like I can breathe again. [ He says in a murmur. ]

[ Erik's no fool. He knows that there will be hardships for them, adjustments to this new reality, and undoubtedly some outside opinions that will nevertheless have some weight in their relationship. Erik has no intention of making this a secret, so they'll also have to learn to navigate everyone around them knowing they're together.

Concerns that made him initially pull away from Bobby, but he realizes now that it was a mistake, and not the right way to approach this. He couldn't stay away from him. Just these few weeks left him a wreck. ]

I'm sorry for hurting you. It was the last thing I wanted. [ He brushes fingers through his hair, kissing his lips, his cheek, murmuring sweetly. ] You're so special to me, you have no idea.

[ It's probably too much idealism on Bobby's part to not care about what other people might think of their relationship. To be fair, he did care about it, but once that fateful night happened, he decided what he feels for Erik is far greater than whatever whispers he might hear. That the taste he got that night is something he realized he wanted more of.

As those sweet lips travel from his lips to his cheek, Bobby's smile turns fond and tender. ]

I think I have an idea. [ He chuckles, not moving to put even an inch between them. ] I've forgiven you already. [ Then, his smile turns a bit mischievous. ] But maybe you can make it up to me.

[ He agrees that it is more important, of course. But that doesn't mean that there won't be some reactions regardless. Erik won't give much of a damn, but he thinks Bobby might care a little more, even if he might think otherwise right now.

Perhaps he's being too pessimistic. He decides to set those thoughts aside for now, not wanting that to taint this precious moment they have together. ]

Oh? [ He raises both his eyebrows, tilting his head with the faintest of smiles. ] And how can I make it up to you? Any ideas?

[ Bobby might, that's true, especially if the opinions will come from people who he considers his friends, but right now, he also doesn't care. He only cares for the here and now, and currently, the only thing that really matters is this reunion they're having. This rekindling of something they've always had for each other after weeks of isolation and avoidance.

When Bobby sees Erik's smiles, however faint, he can't help the swell in his heart. Those weeks felt like years to him. ]

Maybe a continuation of that night? Where we left off? [ Or maybe just do something new and intimate they both love. ]

[ It's true. It really isn't important in this moment. All that matters is the two of them, and whatever else may come after, it will be all the easier to face because they can face it together.

The smile on his face warms when Bobby brings their night together to the forefront of his mind. So much of it has haunted his thoughts, the sweetest memories tainted with the pain he caused Bobby, what he thought he should sacrifice. Bobby wouldn't even need to ask him to have that again, all the more so when Erik's eager to make it a solely happy memory. ]

You'll stay the night? [ In his room, he means. He doesn't even care even if anyone saw Bobby leaving in the morning. ]

[ There isn't even a moment's hesitation after Erik asks that as Bobby nods with a widening smile. It's ironic when he thinks of it, that he'll be the one staying the night in Erik's room when the other didn't in his, but he doesn't let this thought linger. If anything, it's poetic, that night finally coming full circle and reaching its intended conclusion with what they're now going to share. ]

You don't even have to ask.

[ Bobby also doesn't care if anyone sees him leaving Erik's room in the morning. Some of his friends might ask and eventually tease him for it, but he truly doesn't care what anybody else will think. ] Are you gonna go all the way with me this time? [ He murmurs in a tease, referencing how they didn't have lube last time. ]

[ He does have to ask, even if he knows the answer already. Bobby would be reasonable to not want to make them public by the morning, after what Erik did. It wouldn't be unreasonable for him to want to be cautious, play it safe. The fact that he doesn't want to be, that he's just as willing to jump in head first makes Erik's chest warm, his heart beating just a little faster. ]

However far you want to go, [ He murmurs, almost a promise, taking Bobby's hand and kissing his knuckles. ] I've scarcely been able to think of anything other than you, these past weeks.

[ Bobby watches Erik kiss his knuckles with the tenderness that only he can provide and it softens his smile and his gaze. ]

Must be torture, then, when I avoided you.

[ The hand Erik kissed finds its way on his cheek, holding his face with the gentleness of freshly fallen snow. He caresses his skin with his thumb, the same skin he has missed touching these past few weeks. For a moment, Bobby searches Erik's eyes, blue on blue, clear skies meeting tumultuous seas, as he tries to place himself on that fateful night when he held this same face.

It's still as attractive as ever. ] You might've left that morning, but you never left my mind.

[ Erik doesn't say anything to that, because while it's true that it felt much like torture, it's also true that he deserved it with the way he handled everything. Bobby deserved at least an honest conversation, not just being left in the middle of the night without a single word.

He holds Bobby's hand in his tightly, pressing it to his chest, his other arm wrapped tight around his waist. ]

Nor have you mine. [ His eyes linger on Bobby's face, meeting his gaze, lips pressed tightly. ] I haven't regretted anything as much as I did leaving that night.

[ He can feel Erik's heartbeat within his chest the moment his hand comes in contact. His smile turns fond, and for a moment, he listens to both their heartbeats become one. Music to his ears in the silence of the room. ]

We have our regrets. I regret not confronting you sooner about it, to be honest.

[ Bobby snorts at this confession, amused by it now in hindsight. Both of them were stubborn and clearly thought they were doing the right thing. Not anymore, though. This time, they're going to rewrite that night with a better ending. ]

But we're here to right our mistakes. [ With a broader smile as he presses a soft kiss on Erik's lips - ] And move forward.

[ It does seem a little pointless to wallow in their regrets, their mistakes, even more so when they've managed to somehow work past them, when they could have very well ruined everything. Well, mostly Erik, to be fair. He does make a mental note to himself, to consider his own actions better in the future. He really doesn't want to ruin this now, when it's becoming something so special for them both. ]

Moving forward. [ He returns the kiss, lingering until Bobby's pulling away, then nods. ] I like that.

[ All the more so because they'll be doing so together. He squeezes Bobby's fingers again, then glances to the table where he has his small pile of paperwork. Thankfully he hadn't gotten much work done before Bobby showed up, so there isn't a lot for him to clear up. It's the last thing he'd want to waste time on, right now. ] Let's head upstairs?

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